Methods and Systems for Power Generation By Changing Density of A Fluid

ABSTRACT

A method for generating energy from low-density fluids is provided. The method includes placing a first object in a first portion of fluid having a first density, injecting low-density fluids into the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereof to a second density less than the density of the first object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object in response thereto, and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object. Related apparatuses and systems are also disclosed.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/290,663 filed on Dec. 29, 2009, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/290,671 filed on Dec. 29, 2009, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/393,211 filed on Oct. 14, 2010, and U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/980,782 filed on Dec. 10, 2010,the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to methods and systems ofelectrical power generation. More specifically, the subject matterdisclosed herein relates to power-generating systems and methods basedon density changes within fluids utilizing a gas to change the densityof the fluid.

BACKGROUND

New methods of producing electrical power are necessary for ecological,economic, and political reasons. Various renewable energy technologiessuch as wind, solar, and tidal have not been the answer to the world'scurrent energy challenges as many of these technologies have inherentdisadvantages. Current forms of energy production that use fossil fuelshave well-documented limitations, including finite supplies and therelease of green house gasses that impact the environment.

Non-fossil fuel source energy production technologies such as nuclear,geothermal, and hydrodynamic also have limitations such as where thosetechnologies can be physically located, high capital investment costs,and negative environmental impacts.

It is known that mechanical energy from the motion of one of the formsof matter (solid, liquid, gas, or plasma) can be converted intoelectrical energy through an appropriate manner, such as a generator ormagnetic induction system. The source mechanical energy is typicallyderived from 1) the conversion of the chemical energy in naturallyoccurring fossil fuels or manmade biofuels via combustion, 2) heatderived from nuclear reaction processes, or 3) the natural motion ofwater due to gravity, waves, or tidal forces.

Examples of commonly known energy production sources include fossilfuels such as coal, oil, natural gas, and shale, manmade biofuels,hydrodynamic dams including tidal designs, solar, wind, geothermal, andnuclear sources.

Many manufacturing and other industrial processes have by-products thathave potential for conversion into energy. For example, wood is aby-product in many manufacturing processes and could be used to thenheat a boiler or the like for producing HVAC services or electricity.Various other processes may have other waste products, such as exhaustgases, that may be converted into a useable energy.

In sum, each of these methods of energy production has variousadvantages and disadvantages. Accordingly a manner of energy productionthat addresses these disadvantages, while maintaining the advantagesassociated therewith, is desired.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes an object for beingplaced in a fluid having a first density. An energy generator is coupledto the object and configured for generating energy upon translation ofthe object. A gas injector is provided for injecting gases into thefluid to lower the density thereof to a second density that is less thanthe density of the object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependenttranslation of the object to generate energy by the energy generator.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includesan object coupled to a pivot and configured for being placed in a fluid.An electrical generator is coupled to the object and configured forgenerating electricity upon pivoting translation of the object about thepivot. A gas injector is provided for injecting gases into the fluid tolower the density thereof to less than the density of the object andthereby induce pivoting translation of the object about the pivot togenerate electricity by the electrical generator.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatusincludes a first object coupled to a pivot and configured for beingplaced in a first portion of fluid. A second object is coupled to thepivot and configured for being placed in a second portion of fluid. Thesecond object is coupled to the first object such that movement of thefirst object imparts a corresponding movement to the second object. Anelectrical generator is coupled to the pivot and configured forgenerating electricity upon pivoting translation of the first object andsecond object about the pivot. A gas injector is in communication withthe first portion of fluid for injecting gases into the first portion offluid to lower the density thereof to less than the density of the firstobject and thereby induce pivoting translation of the first object aboutthe pivot to generate electricity by the electrical generator.

According to another embodiment, the energy generator produces energyupon reciprocal movement of the pivot.

According to another embodiment, the energy generator is an electricalgenerator.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a flowmeter in communication with the low-density fluid injector.

According to another embodiment, the low-density fluid injector is a gasinjector.

According to another embodiment, the gas injector injects carbondioxide.

According to another embodiment, the low-density fluid injector definesbaffles to disperse and separate injected fluids.

According to another embodiment, the energy generator is incommunication with an energy storage device for storing generatedenergy.

According to another embodiment, the energy generator is incommunication with an energy distribution grid.

According to another embodiment, the means for lowering the density ofthe fluid include low-density fluid injection, gas injection, and hotfluid injection.

According to another embodiment, the means for lowering the density ofthe fluid include imparting vibratory movements to a surface to createair-encapsulated dispersions within the fluid.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided and includes afirst object coupled to a pivot and configured for being placed in afluid. An electrical generator is coupled to the pivot and configuredfor generating electricity upon pivoting translation of the first objectabout the pivot. A gas injector is provided in communication with thefluid for injecting gases therein to lower the density thereof to lessthan the density of the first object and thereby induce pivotingtranslation of the first object about the pivot to generate electricityby the electrical generator.

According to another embodiment, the fluid defines a first portion and asecond portion, and the first object is placed in the first portion ofthe fluid.

According to another embodiment, the first object is carried on a firstend of a lever, and the is being coupled to the pivot.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second objectthat is carried on a second end of the lever. The second object isplaced in the second portion of the fluid.

According to another embodiment, the first portion and the secondportion are separated therebetween by a divider wall.

According to another embodiment, the pivot is carried by the dividerwall.

According to another embodiment, the gas injector injects carbon dioxidegases into the fluid.

According to another embodiment, the gas injector injects gases into thefirst portion of the fluid.

According to another embodiment, an air separator is carried in thefirst portion for separating gases.

According to another embodiment, the first object and the second objectgenerally approximate a prolate spheroid.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatusincludes a chamber for containing a fluid and an object for being placedin the fluid. An electrical generator is configured for generatingelectricity upon translation of the object. A gas injector is providedin communication with the chamber for injecting gases into the fluid tolower the density thereof to less than the density of the object tothereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the object to generateelectricity by the electrical generator.

According to another embodiment, the electrical generator is coupled tothe object by a cable.

According to another embodiment, the electrical generator is positionedoutside of the chamber.

According to another embodiment, any of the apparatus may be part of anenergy generating system including a fluid source, energy storagedevices, or energy consuming devices.

According to another embodiment, the object has a lower density than thenatural density of the fluid.

According to another embodiment, the electrical generator is coupled tothe object by a shaft configured for rotational movement uponbuoyancy-dependent translation of the object.

According to another embodiment, the shaft defines a threaded portion onan outside thereof and the object defines an internal threaded void forreceiving the threaded portion of the shaft.

According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a gearedassembly coupled to the shaft for imparting rotational movement to theelectrical generator.

According to another embodiment, the electrical generator includes atleast one magnet carried by the object and at least one induction coilcarried by the chamber.

According to another embodiment, the at least one magnet includes aplurality of magnets, and further wherein, the plurality of magnets areplaced in spaced-apart series about the object.

According to another embodiment, the at least one induction coil iscarried along a length of the chamber.

According to another embodiment, the electrical generator includes atleast one magnet carried by the chamber and at least one induction coilcarried by the object.

According to another embodiment, the at least one magnet includes aplurality of magnets, and further wherein, the plurality of magnets areplaced in spaced-apart series about the chamber.

According to another embodiment, the at least one induction coil iscarried along a length of the object.

According to another embodiment, a method for generating energy isprovided. The method includes providing an object in a fluid having afirst density. The object is in engagement with an energy generatorconfigured for generating energy upon translation of the object. Themethod also includes reducing the density of the fluid in order toimpart buoyancy-dependent translation of the object in the fluid andgenerate energy by the energy generator and capturing energy generatedby the energy generator.

According to another embodiment, a method of generating energy isprovided. The method includes providing a first object in a firstportion of fluid having a first density, injecting low-density fluidsinto the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereofto less than the density of the first object and thereby inducebuoyancy-dependent translation of the first object in response thereto,and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of thefirst object.

According to another embodiment, placing a first object in a firstportion of fluid includes placing the first object in a first positionin the first portion of the fluid.

According to another embodiment, injecting low-density fluids into thefirst portion of the fluid includes injecting low-density fluids toinduce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object into a secondposition in the first portion of the fluid.

According to another embodiment, the method may further include allowingthe density of the first portion of fluid to return to the first densityto thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first objectfrom the second position to the first position, and further includinggenerating energy upon translation of the first object from the secondposition to the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there isshown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presentlydisclosed invention is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart illustrating one or more steps that may beperformed according to a method disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a system for generating energyaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart illustrating one or more steps that may beperformed according to a method disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a system for generating energy from by-products accordingto one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an apparatus for generating energy from by-productsaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 depicts an apparatus for generating energy from by-productsaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 depicts an apparatus for generating energy from by-productsaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 depicts an apparatus for generating energy from by-products toone or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 depicts an apparatus for generating energy from by-productsaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 10 depicts an apparatus for generating energy from by-productsaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed invention is described with specificity to meetstatutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intendedto limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors havecontemplated that the claimed invention might also be embodied in otherways, to include different steps or elements similar to the onesdescribed in this document, in conjunction with other present or futuretechnologies. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein toconnote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individualsteps is explicitly described.

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for converting buoyancy-dependenttranslation into energy are provided herein. In one or more embodiments,the methods, apparatuses, and systems of the presently disclosed subjectmatter are provided for converting buoyancy-dependent translation of anobject positioned within a fluid into energy. A flow chart depicting oneor more steps of the methods of converting buoyancy-dependenttranslation of an object into energy 100 is presented in FIG. 1. Themethod 100 includes altering the density of a fluid in order to impartbuoyancy-dependent translation of an object in the fluid 110 in whichthe density of the fluid is altered to be less than the density of theobject such that the object begins to translate in a generally downwarddirection. The object could be a first of many objects or a stand-aloneobject and could be placed in a first portion of a fluid. Implementationof the methods disclosed herein will be discussed in regards to varioussystems and apparatuses also disclosed herein, in which reference may bemade to low-density fluid injection as one manner of altering thedensity of a liquid in order to impart buoyancy-dependent translation ofan object. Injection of low-density fluids into a first portion of thefluid is one example of a manner of altering the density of a liquid,but other methods and manners are equally applicable and intended to beincorporated with the various systems and apparatuses disclosed herein.For example, altering the density of a liquid may include imparting atemperature change to a portion of fluid, injection of solid orsemi-solid matter into a fluid, or imparting vibrational movement to aportion of fluid.

Energy is then generated based upon the buoyancy-dependent translationof the object in the fluid 120. The density of the fluid is then allowedto return to the natural density thereof 130. This return to naturaldensity may be effectuated by, for example, the escape of low-densityfluid bubbles such as gaseous bubbles into the surrounding environmentor may be effectuated in response to some action by another system orapparatus. Energy may then be generated based upon thebuoyancy-dependent translation of the object as the fluid returns tonormal density 140. In this manner, the object may have a first positionin which the object is suspended, emulsed, or floating within the fluid,and a second position which generally corresponds to the position of theobject after the step of altering the natural density of a fluid inorder to impart buoyancy-dependent translation of an object in a fluid110. In the step generally corresponding to allowing the fluid to returnto natural density 130 and generating energy based uponbuoyancy-dependent translation of the object in the fluid 140, theobject returns to the first position. As described herein, altering thenatural density of a fluid may include reducing the density by injectinga low-density fluid into the fluid, or may, in alternate embodiments,include providing ultrasonic or other vibratory methods of creatinglow-density fluid voids within the fluid for reducing the densitythereof. Still in other embodiments, this may be effectuated byharnessing natural gas expulsions from a natural source, such as anocean floor. Each of those manners of reducing the density of the fluidin which the object is placed may be used in conjunction with any of thesystems or apparatuses disclosed herein. These embodiments are providedas non-limiting examples, though it is envisioned that other manners ofeffectuating the same are encompassed within this description.

The term “object” is meant to include, but not be limited to, a singleobject, a plurality of objects, a device, or a plurality of devicesmoving through a fluid as described below. The movement of an object isalso meant to include, but not be limited to, embodiments where thefluid and container holding the fluid are fixed, for example, fastenedto a surface, and the object moves through the surrounding fluid, andembodiments where the object passing through the surrounding fluid inthe previous embodiment is fixed, for example, fastened to a surface,and the fluid and container move around the object. For purposes ofnon-limiting description and illustration, embodiments described hereinwill describe embodiments where an object passes through a fluid held ina container.

It should be understood to those of skill in the art that embodimentsare envisioned where the natural density of the object is less than orequal to the natural density of the surrounding fluid, and alsoembodiments where the natural density of the object is greater than thenatural density of the surrounding fluid. For purposes of non-limitingdescription and illustration, the embodiments described herein willassume the object has a natural density less than or equal to thesurrounding fluid.

In addition to varying the density of the surrounding fluid, the densityof an object moving through the fluid can be varied to create adifference in the relative densities of the fluid and object. By way ofnon-limiting examples, a gas or other fluid can be injected into theinterior of the object to increase its buoyancy, or non-gaseous matter(e.g. the surrounding fluid) can fill the interior of the object todecrease its buoyancy. In certain embodiments, the natural density ofthe fluid may be greater than the object, and in other embodiments theinitial density of the fluid may be less than the object. In someembodiments, creating the largest density difference is advantageous asit creates the largest potential energy possible, and subsequently thelargest kinetic energy possible when the subject matter disclosed hereinis practiced. By varying the relative density of the object andsurrounding fluid such that the density of the object is alternatelyless than and greater than the fluid, a cyclical pattern of motion ofthe object through the surrounding fluid is created. Appropriatesuitable processes and/or systems can then be used to convert thekinetic energy of the object into electricity.

A system for converting buoyancy-dependent translation of an object intoenergy is depicted in FIG. 2. The system 200 may generally include acontrol system 210 that is configured for dispensing a low-density fluidsource 220. An energy generating apparatus is in communication with thecontrol system 210 and the low-density fluid source 220. Variousembodiments of the energy generating apparatus are depicted throughoutthe drawings. An energy consuming device or system may also be incommunication with the energy generating apparatus for consuming energygenerated thereby. Additionally, an energy storage device 250 may beprovided for storing energy generated by the energy generatingapparatus. The energy storage device 250 may be provided for anysuitable form of energy storage, and may include battery cells or otherchemical storage devices, electrical capacitors, supercapacitors, ormagnetic energy storage, mechanical manners, thermal, or the like.

The methods, apparatuses, and systems of the presently disclosed subjectmatter are configured for use with the low-density fluid source 220,which may, in one or more embodiments, be a fluid source from amanufacturing or industrial facility. These facilities could include anyfacility that outputs some low-density fluid as a by-product. Examplesof low-density fluids may include exhaust gases such as carbon dioxidethat are exhausted from various industrial processes, or low-densityfluids such as hot water. As used herein, “low-density” refers to afluid having a density that is lower than the density of a body of fluidin which an object is placed in for use with any one of the energygenerating apparatuses. While any appropriate fluid such as gas or amixture of gases may be used, examples of gases that may be utilizedinclude carbon dioxide, air, nitrogen, and gaseous products resultingfrom the combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, or other carboncontaining material.

One or more methods 300 for generating energy from a waste energy areschematically illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 3. The one ormethods 300 may include placing a first object in a first portion offluid having a first density 302. The one or more methods 300 mayinclude injecting low-density fluids into the first portion of fluid inorder to reduce the density thereof to a second density less than thedensity of the first object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependenttranslation of the first object in response thereto 304. The one or moremethods may include generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependenttranslation of the first object 306. Waste energy may be any fluid thatis a by-product of some other process and is described further hereinwith reference to low-density fluids.

One example of an energy generating apparatus according to one or moreembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated inFIG. 4 in which a production facility 1 could be used in combinationwith the methods, apparatuses, and systems of the presently disclosedsubject matter. The production facility 1 may be a coal, nuclear, orother power plant, or may be any suitable industrial facility that haslow-density fluid as a by-product. The facility 1 may include theexternal energy storage device 250. The energy storage device 250 may beconnected with an energy transmission line such as a power line 6 to apower line support 3.

The facility 1 may be positioned on a nearby ground structure. Piping 5or other appropriate devices may be provided for transporting alow-density fluid from the facility 1 to a first portion of fluid 416. Apump 440 may be provided for providing pumping forces to pump thelow-density fluid from the facility 1 to the body of fluid 416. A flowmeter 442 may be provided in communication with the piping 5 formonitoring the amount of low-density fluid that flows therethrough.

One or more embodiments according to the presently disclosed inventionare depicted in FIG. 4 in which the facility 1 cooperates with anapparatus 410 for producing energy. The facility 1 is similarly coupledto energy storage device 250 and power transmission line support 3 bypower transmission lines 6. A pump 440 may provide pumping forces topump a low-density fluid through pipe 5. A flow meter 442 may beprovided in communication with the pipe 5 for varying the flow oflow-density fluid. A fluid injector 422 may be provided on an end of thepipe 5 for injecting low-density fluids into a first portion of fluid416. A baffle or other type of fluid separator 436 may be provided aboutthe outlet of the fluid injector 422 for dispersing low-density fluid.The apparatus 410 includes a first object 412 in the first portion offluid 416 carried by a support 430 that extends from a pivot 414 thatmay be carried by a density barrier 434 for separating the first portionof fluid 416 from a second portion of fluid 424 in which a second object432 is carried by the support 430 extending from the pivot 414. Thepivot 414 is coupled to an electric generator 420 similar to generator330 as disclosed in FIG. 3.

The apparatus 410 is configured for back and forth reciprocatingmovement in which the first object 412 translates downwardly whenlow-density fluid is injected into the first portion of fluid 416 andthe density thereof is reduced to less than the density of the firstobject 412. The apparatus 410 may be configured such that intermittentapplications of low-density fluid are injected into the first portion offluid 416 such that enough low-density fluid is first injected into thefirst portion of fluid 416 until the first object 412 pivotscounter-clockwise until almost reaching the density barrier 434. At thatpoint, low-density fluid is no longer injected into the first portion offluid 416 and the density begins to return to the natural densitythereof. As this occurs, the first object 412 pivots clockwise until therelative vertical positioning is generally the same as that of thesecond object 432.

In one or more embodiments, a low-density injector may be provided atboth the first portion of fluid 416 and the second portion of fluid 424such that alternating, intermittent injections of low-density fluid canbe made in each respective portion of fluid.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the apparatuses for generating energydisclosed herein may be self contained in a stand-alone container 460 ormay be part of a natural environment such as an ocean, lake, or otherbody of water.

As illustrated in the block generally relating to the step of generatingenergy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of the object in thefluid 140, such a step may be encompassed by the apparatus 410. Forexample, as the first portion of fluid 416 returns to its naturaldensity, the first object 412 will begin to undergo buoyancy-dependenttranslation in a generally upwards direction until the object 412 is ingeneral alignment with the second object 432. In this manner, energygeneration may be effectuated during generally upwards translation ofthe apparatus 410 as the first portion of fluid 416 returns to itsnatural density.

Many physical phenomena occur during the injection of low density fluid,specifically the bubbles created when injecting a low density fluid suchas a gaseous fluid into a fluid such as a liquid. For example, due totheir drag, impact, and sticking, the bubbles could directly produceupward forces on the body as they ascend upward. In addition, surfacetension at the boundary of the body and liquid causes an upward force tobe exerted on the body. There are also effects that could cause downwardforces. There may be a shadow region above the body where bubbles areabsent, whereas the equality of the average densities for sinkingassumes that the bubbles are distributed uniformly throughout theliquid. This causes a greater pressure to be exerted on the top of thebody, and thus corresponds to a downward force. Bubbles are deflectedaround the body, so there could be a layer of greater density of bubbleson the bottom surface of the body. This could cause the body to sink ata greater average fluid density, corresponding to an effective downwardforce. Due to entrained motion of the liquid, there is also a possiblereduction of the buoyancy as a result of the Bernoulli effect. Furtherdiscussion on these phenomena can be found in the paper entitled “Whendo bubbles cause a floating body to sink” in the American Journal ofPhysics, October, 2001 edition by Denardo et al.

An apparatus for generating electricity according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosed subject matter is illustrated in FIG. 5 andis generally designated 510. The apparatus 510 may be in communicationwith a low-density fluid injector 518 that is in communication with thelow-density fluid source 220. The apparatus 510 includes a chamber 512that is configured for containing a fluid 515 therein. An object 514 isprovided within the fluid 515 and is further coupled to an electricalgenerator 516 that is configured for generating electrical energy upontranslation of the object 514. The object 514 is coupled to theelectrical generator 516 by a linking member 520, which may be a cable,support rod, or similar structure. The electrical generator 516 may thenbe coupled to the energy storage device 250 for storing energy generatedthereby. In other embodiments, the electrical generator 516 may becoupled directly with an energy consuming appliance or device.

The apparatus 510 is configured such that the object 514 has a densitythat is less than or equal to the natural density of the fluid 515contained within the chamber 512. In this manner, the object 514generally floats or is suspended within the fluid 515 when the fluid 515is at natural density. As low-density fluid is injected into the chamber512 by the injector 518, the object 514 will then begin to translatedownwardly once the density of the fluid 515 is less than that of theobject 514. As the object 514 translates downwardly, the linking member520 will impart movement to the generator 516, thereby generatingelectrical energy. Low-density fluid may continue to be injected intothe chamber 512 until the object 514 reaches a desired downwardposition. At that point, low-density fluid is no longer injected and thefluid 515 begins to return to its natural density. As this occurs, theobject 514 will begin to translate upwardly to its initial position.Once the object 514 returns to its initial position, the low-densityfluid injection process can be initiated again.

An apparatus for generating electricity according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosed subject matter is illustrated in FIG. 6 andis generally designated 610. The apparatus 610 may be in communicationwith a low-density fluid injector 618 that is in communication with thelow-density fluid source 220. The apparatus 610 includes a chamber 612that is configured for containing a fluid 615 therein. An object 614 isprovided within the fluid 615 and is threadably received within a shaft620. The shaft 620 is further coupled to an electrical generator 616that is configured for generating electrical energy upon rotation of theshaft 620. The shaft 620 is configured for rotational movement as theobject 614 translates upwardly and downwardly due to buoyancy-dependenttranslation thereof. This may be accomplished by affixing the object 614to a wall of the chamber 612 such that the rotational arrangement of theobject 614 remains the same as the object 614 translates vertically. Theelectrical generator 616 may then be coupled to the energy storagedevice 250 for storing energy generated thereby. In other embodiments,the electrical generator 616 may be coupled directly with an energyconsuming appliance or device.

The apparatus 610 is configured such that the object 614 has a densitythat is less than or equal to the natural density of the fluid 615contained within the chamber 612. As low-density fluid is injected intothe chamber 612, the object 614 will then begin to translate downwardlyonce the density of the fluid 615 is less than that of the object 614.As the object 614 translates downwardly, the shaft 620 rotates andimparts corresponding rotational movement to the generator 616, therebygenerating electrical energy. Low-density fluid may continue to beinjected into the chamber 612 until the object 614 reaches a desireddownward position. At that point, low-density fluid is no longerinjected and the fluid 615 begins to return to its natural density. Asthis occurs, the object 614 will begin to translate upwardly to itsinitial position. Once the object 614 returns to its initial position,the low-density fluid injection process can be initiated again.

An apparatus for generating electricity according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosed subject matter is illustrated in FIG. 7 andis generally designated 710. The apparatus 710 may be in communicationwith a low-density fluid injector 718 that is in further communicationwith the low-density fluid source 220. The apparatus 710 includes achamber 712 that is configured for containing a fluid 715 therein. Anobject 714 is provided within the fluid 715 and is configured forvertical buoyancy-dependent translation. The object 714 defines at leastone magnet 720 on a surface thereof. Each of the magnets 720 areconfigured for induction energy generation upon translation aboutinduction coils 722 defined on a surface of the chamber 712. Anelectrical transformer 716 may then be provided for converting theinduction charges into a useable form of electricity. The electricaltransformer 716 may then be coupled to the energy storage device 250 forstoring energy generated thereby. In other embodiments, the electricaltransformer 716 may be coupled directly with an energy consumingappliance or device.

The apparatus 710 is configured such that the object 714 has a densitythat is less than or equal to the natural density of the fluid 715contained within the chamber 712. As low-density fluid is injected intothe chamber 712, the object 714 will then begin to translate downwardlyonce the density of the fluid 715 is less than that of the object 714.As the object 714 translates downwardly, the induction energy is createdby the passing of the magnets 720 by the coils 722. Low-density fluidmay continue to be injected into the chamber 712 until the object 714reaches a desired downward position. At that point, low-density fluid isno longer injected and the fluid 715 begins to return to its naturaldensity. As this occurs, the object 714 will begin to translate upwardlyto its initial position. Once the object 714 returns to its initialposition, the low-density fluid injection process can be initiatedagain.

An apparatus for generating electricity according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosed subject matter is illustrated in FIG. 8 andis generally designated 810. The apparatus 810 may be in communicationwith a low-density fluid injector 818 that is in further communicationwith the low-density fluid source 220. The apparatus 810 includes achamber 812 that is configured for containing a fluid 815 therein. Anobject 814 is provided within the fluid 815 and is configured forvertical buoyancy-dependent translation. The object 814 defines at leastone induction coil 822 on a surface thereof. Each of the induction coils822 are configured for induction energy generation upon translationabout magnets 820 defined on a surface of the chamber 812. An electricaltransformer 816 may then be provided for converting the inductioncharges into a useable form of electricity. The electrical transformer816 may then be coupled to an energy storage device 250 for storingenergy generated thereby. In other embodiments, the electricaltransformer 816 may be coupled directly with an energy consumingappliance or device.

The apparatus 810 is configured such that the object 814 has a densitythat is less than or equal to the natural density of the fluid 815contained within the chamber 812. As low-density fluid is injected intothe chamber 812, the object 814 will then begin to translate downwardlyonce the density of the fluid 815 is less than that of the object 814.As the object 814 translates downwardly, the induction energy is createdby the passing of the magnets 820 by the coils 822. Low-density fluidmay continue to be injected into the chamber 812 until the object 814reaches a desired downward position. At that point, low-density fluid isno longer injected and the fluid 815 begins to return to its naturaldensity. As this occurs, the object 814 will begin to translate upwardlyto its initial position. Once the object 814 returns to its initialposition, the low-density fluid injection process can be initiatedagain.

A system 900 for use with an apparatus 910 for generating electricityaccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter isillustrated in FIG. 9. The apparatus 910 may be in communication with alow-density fluid injector 918 that is in further communication with thelow-density fluid source 220. The apparatus 910 includes a chamber 912that is configured for containing a fluid 915 therein. A shuttle 914 isprovided within the fluid 915 and is configured for verticalbuoyancy-dependent translation. The shuttle 914 defines a ring ofmagnets 922 that extend in a periphery about the inner diameter of thechamber 912. The ring of magnets 922 may be spaced apart from a centralshaft 920 that extends from a lowermost to an uppermost position withinthe chamber 912 and may be coupled together by a plurality of blades 916extending from the central shaft 920 to the ring of magnets 922. Each ofthe magnets 922 are configured for induction energy generation upontranslation about induction coils 924 defined on a surface of thechamber 912. This induction may be caused by generally verticaltranslation of the magnets 922 about the induction coils 924, or may bealternatively caused by rotational translation of the magnets 922 aboutthe induction coils 924 due to an angular relationship of the blades 916relative to the central shaft 920. An energy generator 928 may beprovided for converting induction energy into other forms of energy. Anenergy consuming device 930, illustrated as a light bulb in FIG. 9, maybe provided in communication with the energy generator 918 for usinggenerated energy.

The apparatus 910 is configured such that the shuttle 914 has a densitythat is less than or equal to the natural density of the fluid 915contained within the chamber 912. As low-density fluid is injected intothe chamber 912, the shuttle 914 will then begin to translate downwardlyonce the density of the fluid 915 is less than that of the shuttle 914.As the shuttle 914 translates downwardly, the induction energy iscreated by the passing of the magnets 922 by the coils 924. The centralshaft 920 may be provided with a threaded portion for impartingrotational movement to the shuttle 914 as is translates vertically.Low-density fluid may continue to be injected into the chamber 912 untilthe shuttle 914 reaches a desired downward position. At that point,low-density fluid is no longer injected and the fluid 915 begins toreturn to its natural density. As this occurs, the shuttle 914 willbegin to translate upwardly to its initial position. Once the shuttle914 returns to its initial position, the low-density fluid injectionprocess can be initiated again.

An apparatus for generating electricity according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosed subject matter is illustrated in FIG. 10and is generally designated 1010. The apparatus 1010 may be incommunication with a low-density fluid injector 1018 that is in furthercommunication with the low-density fluid source 220. The apparatus 1010includes a chamber 1012 that is configured for containing a fluid 1015therein. An object 1014 is provided within the fluid 1015 and isconfigured for vertical buoyancy-dependent translation. The object 1014may define an opening 1017 for allowing flowthrough of fluids within thechamber 1012.

The object 1014 may be coupled to a generator 1016 that has a hub 1023extending therefrom and connected by a linking member 1021 which may bea belt and pulley assembly. The generator 1016 may then be coupled tothe energy storage device 250 for storing energy generated thereby. Inother embodiments, the generator 1016 may be coupled directly with anenergy consuming appliance or device.

The object 1014 may further define a guide rail 1025 defined on thechamber for engaging a roller wheel 1027. The guide rail 1025 and rollerwheel 1027 may be provided for maintaining the object 1014 in a desiredposition.

The apparatus 1010 is configured such that the object 1014 has a densitythat is less than or equal to the natural density of the fluid 1015contained within the chamber 1012. As low-density fluid is injected intothe chamber 1012, the object 1014 will then begin to translatedownwardly once the density of the fluid 1015 is less than that of theobject 1014. As the object 1014 translates downwardly, the generator1016 generates energy. Low-density fluid may continue to be injectedinto the chamber 1012 until the object 1014 reaches a desired downwardposition. At that point, low-density fluid is no longer injected and thefluid 1015 begins to return to its natural density by escape oflow-density fluids into the atmosphere. As this occurs, the object 1014will begin to translate upwardly to its initial position. Once theobject 1014 returns to its initial position, the low-density fluidinjection process can be initiated again.

Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, an underground storage fieldmay be utilized as a storage facility for storing compressed low-densityfluid output from a power plant such as that depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4in a process similar to Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES). When usedin conjunction with one of the energy generating systems or apparatusesdisclosed herein, compressed gases and other fluids may be storedunderground and then diverted to appropriate uses when desired. It mayalso be suitable to utilize one of the systems or apparatuses disclosedherein on a continuous or on a select basis. For example, if utilizingthe injection of low-density fluids, it may be appropriate to operateone of the systems or apparatuses disclosed herein on a continuousbasis. In other circumstances, it may be desirable to utilize one of thesystems or apparatuses only during peak energy consumption periods so asto increase the spot supply during those peak times. Accordingly, acontrol system may be implemented to monitor energy usage about theenergy grid, and then command operation of one of the systems orapparatuses disclosed herein in response to monitoring. In otherembodiments, a recirculation and storage system may be utilized with anyof the apparatuses disclosed herein for capturing spent low-densityfluid after energy generation. This may be particularly advantageous forinstances where carbon dioxide or other potentially unsafe low-densityfluids are used. The captured low-density fluid could then be stored inan external storage tank, and optionally compressed for re-injectioninto one of the apparatuses disclosed herein and used to feed a biofuelstock such as algae. The energy for the optional compression can beprovided by grid energy, from other energy sources such as excess windor solar energy or from energy from the described process of translationof an object connected to a generator via a density change.

In other embodiments, tidal technologies may be employed with thesubject matter disclosed herein. For example, roller plates stacked in avertical shaft filled with a fluid and constructed adjacent to eachother provide large scale energy generation on a small foot print. Aslow density fluid is injected into the bottom of the shaft, the lowdensity fluid passes each roller plate, causing each roller plate todescend due to the reduced density.

Each of the apparatuses and systems described herein may be carried outin an open environment in which the low density fluid is allowed toescape to the environment.

While the embodiments have been described in connection with thepreferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understoodthat other similar embodiments may be used or modifications andadditions may be made to the described embodiment for performing thesame function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosedembodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rathershould be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appendedclaims.

1. An apparatus for generating energy from low density fluids,comprising: a chamber for containing a fluid having a first density; anobject carried in the chamber having a density less than the firstdensity of the fluid; a fluid injector for injecting low density fluidsinto the fluid to lower the density thereof to a second density lessthan the density of the object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependenttranslation of the object; and an energy generator positioned about thechamber and configured for generating energy upon translation of theobject.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generatorincludes a hub that extends into the chamber and a linking member thatinterconnects the hub and the energy generator, wherein the energygenerator is configured for generating energy upon rotational movementthereof.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chamberdefines a guide that is engaged with a roller wheel carried by theobject.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the guideand the roller wheel carries a geared assembly.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the chamber defines a cylindrical shape.6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the object defines acylindrical shape and is positioned within the chamber such that theobject periphery maintains a generally equal spacing from the chamber.7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the object defines anopening therethrough for allowing flowthrough of liquid.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid injector is configuredfor injecting carbon dioxide.
 9. A method for generating energy fromlow-density fluids, comprising: placing a first object in a firstportion of fluid having a first density; injecting low-density fluidsinto the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereofto a second density less than the density of the first object andthereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object inresponse thereto; and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependenttranslation of the first object.
 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein placing a first object in a first portion of fluid includesplacing the first object in a first position in the first portion of thefluid.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein injectinglow-density fluids into the first portion of fluid includes injectinglow-density fluids to induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the firstobject into a second position in the first portion of the fluid.
 12. Themethod according to claim 11, further including allowing the density ofthe first portion of fluid to return to the first density to therebyinduce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object from thesecond position to the first position, and further including generatingenergy upon translation of the first object from the second position tothe first position.
 13. A system for generating energy, comprising: alow-density fluid source; an apparatus having a chamber for containing afluid having a first density and an object carried therein having adensity less than the first density; an injector for injectinglow-density fluid from the low-density fluid source into the fluid tolower the density thereof to a second density less than the density ofthe object to thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of theobject; and an energy generator configured for generating energy upontranslation of the object.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein thelow-density fluid is carbon dioxide.
 15. The system of claim 13, whereinthe energy generator is coupled to an electric grid.